The EUR/USD was able to claw back a small portion of its losses suffered last week, finishing the day up 64 pips at 1.2884. Economic news was light on the session with European markets closed and no releases out of the US. Market participants will be expecting volatility to really pick up later in the week when we see Fed Chairman Bernanke’s testimony to Congress, the release of the most recent FOMC minutes, and a number of other regional Fed speakers on the wires. Given the recent market buzz of the prospects of Fed tapering QE, the next few days could help set a more established trend for the pair as we near month end.

According to Marc Chandler, Head Currency Strategist at BBH, “in the US, the FOMC minutes from the April 30/May 1 meeting will be released on Wednesday. Markets will be parsing them very thoroughly for any clues about QE tapering. Those minutes will be sandwiched between another heavy slate of Fed speakers including Bullard and Dudley on Tuesday, Bernanke testimony on Wednesday, and Bullard again on Thursday. Bernanke’s testimony will be the most important, of course. While we expect the key Fed officials to signal steady as she goes with regards to QE, we acknowledge that markets could see some turbulence.” Other analysts also mention to keep a focus on Europe, as we will see a number of important PMI releases from the region later in the week as well as speeches from important European officials including ECB President Draghi.http://blog.fxcc.com/forex-technical-market-analysis-may-21-2013/

Upwards scenario: On the upside market might get more incentives above the immediate resistive barrier at 1.2905 (R1). If the price manages to overcome it we would suggest next intraday targets at 1.2930 (R2) and 1.2955 (R3). Downwards scenario: On the other hand, possible downtrend development may encounter supportive measure at 1.2860 (S1). Penetration through this level would targeting then supportive means at 1.2836 (S2) and 1.2811 (S3) later on today.

Upwards scenario: On the upside resistive structure at 102.77 (R1) prevents further gains. Clearance here is required to open route towards to next target at 103.10 (R2) and then final target could be triggered at 103.43 (R3). Downwards scenario: On the other hand, pair keeps the consolidation pattern intact. We see potential to positively retest supportive barrier at 102.19 (S1). Depreciation below it would open route towards to initial targets at 101.86 (S2) and 101.52 (S3) in potential.